If you can't scan the code, you can book your free ticket by clicking here.
WEMBLEY MATTERS News and views on local politics, the environment, climate change, culture and local history
Thursday, 13 February 2025
Guardian reveals Right to Buy applications in Brent soared 7,000% ahead of November 2024 deadline
In a passionate article in the Guardian today LINK Aditya Chakrabortty reveals that Right to Buy applications rose 7,000% in Brent ahead of the deadline for discount change in November 2024.
This was the highest in London and represents a major loss of council housing thus contributing to the housing crisis. Before the deadline of 21st November the discount on the London market price could be as much as £136,400 reduced to c£16,000 after the deadline.
BREAKING: K-Pop Festival at Northwick Park postponed until 2026
According to a message from Magic Sound re-posted on a local Whats App group Magic Sound have decided to postpone the MIK K-Pop Festival in Northwick Park until 2026.
They thanked residents for their 'time and insight' and said that residents' knowledge of the park and the local area had been invaluable to them.
Many practial concerns had been raised by residents despite the police and Brent Public Safety Officer withdrawing objections to the licensing application.
On the Next Door website Preston ward Councillor Daniel Kennelly said:
Regardless of the suspension, I like others have serious concerns about this potential event. Therefore I will be engaging with organisers and ensuring that they are working with residents to minimise any disruption caused should these events go ahead in 2026. I have already contacted them following the publication of the licensing hearing report and will be in contact with residents and groups as this conversation progresses.
Brent NEU members balloting for strike action over worsened conditions at South Kenton primary school taken over by Harris Federation
Barry Gardiner MP at the demonstration against forced academisation of Byron Court. The placard sums up early concerns about the Harris Federation
From Brent National Education Union
NEU members at the former Byron Court Primary School- now Harris Primary Academy South Kenton- are balloting for strike action in a fight to retain their proper working conditions.
Teachers and support staff at the school have met together regularly since the takeover of their school by the huge Harris Federation, to discuss the worsening of their working conditions. A year ago they learned their school had failed its Ofsted and, after a financial donation to the Labour Party by Harris bosses, it was announced that Harris would be taking over the school. Since then there have been changes to the school day, the school year, the curriculum and style of teaching, working hours, roles and responsibilities and rights of trade union reps. Members have tried to resolve these but after more than a term, the Federation has not agreed to reverse the changes.
The NEU is now balloting its members in the school, alongside a national ballot of 18 Harris secondary schools who are balloting on very similar issues.
Jenny Cooper of the NEU national executive said:
This school cannot operate without our members- they are the frontline workforce behind a company that generates half a million a year for its CEO. The staff remain steadfast in their determination to exercise their rights despite attempted interference in our union processes by the Federation. The NEU remains willing to meet with the school to resolve this dispute in which case the ballot could be suspended; however they will need to be prepared to make some changes.
The issues began to emerge in October last year soon after the Federation takeover. Jenny Cooper told the Education Uncovered website about the pressures exerted by 'consultants' on experienced staff to change their teaching methods LINK:
We are being told that for a large part of the week there are consultants in the room with [NEU members], either watching them, or taking over, showing them how they think a particular aspect [of learning] should be taught. So early years should be taught like this, or reading, or maths, or whatever, and expecting the person to instantly take up this new way of teaching, which the person themselves doesn’t necessarily agree with.
In some cases, that teacher has got 10 or 20 years’ experience in this area, and who knows what the consultant has got? And yet they are kind of lording it above them. I think that’s really uncomfortable. It just looks like every aspect that they are teaching is being kind of thrown out and starting again.
The NEU members at Harris Primary Academy are not alone. Educators across the Federation's schools have decided enough is enough and are taking part in the ballot for action.
They say:
Hundreds of NEU educators, including teachers, middle leaders, support staff, and more, play a crucial role in the success of Harris Federation schools. We are committed to providing students with an exceptional education, and our dedication to educating and supporting students is unwavering. However, the current conditions are making it increasingly challenging for us to carry out this important work. It doesn't have to be this way; we are advocating for change.
The
fight for fairer workloads, pay and conditions, as well as equal
treatment for Caribbean and overseas-trained teachers, is crucial for
the well-being of educators and the success of the students they serve.
By advocating for these improvements, we can create an environment where
both staff and students thrive.
It's 'BINGO!' for gambling company as Willesden Green swaps a bank for a bingo hall following Planning Committee approval
The planning application for a Bingo Hall to replace the Willesden Green branch of Lloyds Bank was approved at last night's Planning Committee despite widespread opposition from local residents and from ward councillors.
The vote was 4 in favour, 2 against and 1 abstention in line with the Planning Officers; recommendation to approve.
On Next Door Cllr Saqlain Choudry indicated that current legislation was preventing the Planning Committee from refusing such applications:
There is an urgent need for legislative reform. The leader of council has in previous months written to the relevant Minister asking for more powers and greater clarity in legislation to prevent and block these harmful practices. It is shocking that there is no limit on how many bingo halls can open and other loopholes in the legal and planning framework that allows these practices to continue.
Wednesday, 12 February 2025
Petition launched to save Ye Olde Swiss Cottage Pub from developers
The petition:
Ye Olde Swiss Cottage Pub, a treasured local landmark with deep historical significance, is under threat of being sold to developers and potentially demolished. This pub has been a cornerstone of our community for years, providing a unique social space and contributing to the character of the area. However, due to its unlisted status, it is at risk of being lost forever.
We are calling on Camden Council to grant Ye Olde Swiss Cottage Pub Asset of Community Value (ACV) status, ensuring its protection from redevelopment. Additionally, we urge that all future buyers of the property commit to keeping it as a pub, preserving its role as a vital community hub for generations to come.
There is no "Swiss Cottage" without Swiss Cottage. It is linked to the identity and history of the area, and its absence would be a loss to the entire community.
Wembley Events Ticket Ballot introduced for residents within the Event Day Parking Zone
From Brent Council
Wembley Stadium Residents' Ticket Ballot
Brent Council and Wembley Stadium recognise that some residents that live close to Wembley Stadium may be directly impacted by event days.
That's why we are offering local residents the chance to apply for free tickets to upcoming Wembley Stadium events through our residents' ticket ballot. We also want to ensure that people living in the area have a fair chance to attend these events.
There is a separate ballot for each Stadium event day, and if eligible you can enter as many different ballots as you want. However, you can submit only one entry per event day ballot. If you are successful in a ballot, you will win two tickets to that event.
To enter a ballot, you must be over 18 and live at a property within the Wembley Event Day parking zone.
Each Ballot will typically open two months before the date of the event and close two weeks before the date of the event.*
Enter the Wembley Stadium Residents' Ballot
* This is subject to change, depending on the nature of the event and ticket availability.
Baroness Berger of Barnhill
Following the adoption by Luciana Berger of the title Baroness Berger of Barnhill, locals have been having some fun on Facebook giving themselves titles named after local streets and landmarks.
Baroness Berger is, to put it mildly, no stranger to controversy LINK but does have Brent credentials having been brought up in Wembley.
Whether her title will have any impact on house values on Barn Hill remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, will we see a future Baroness Fraser of Chalkhill to add a little balance?
Four days left to have your say on proposed Cycle Docking Bays in Brent - full list of sites
Brent Council is consulting on the siting of 43 Cycle Docking Bays across the borough following concern about the problems caused by poor parking of Lime Bikes.
They say:
Brent Council is working to improve cycling facilities to encourage residents to adopt active and sustainable travel. By promoting cycling, the Council aims to enhance public health, reduce traffic congestion, and improve air quality throughout the borough.
The cycle hire bay, which has the capacity to store eight bicycles will allow users to rent or return the bicycles at any time.
Each site has its own survey. For some reason the consultation site LINK has the sites listed in reverse alphabetical order. For readers' convenience I list them in alphabetical order below. There are only 4 days left to respond.
C
Cambrudge Avenue, Christchurch Avenue, Church Road, Coventry Close, Curtis Lane.
D
Dollis Hill Lane, Donnington Road (East), Donnighton Road (West), Doyle Gardens, Dyne Road,
E
Ecclestone Place, Exeter Road.
H
Hamilton Road, Harlesden Road, Hartland Road, Harvist Road, Hazel Road, High Street (Harlesden).
K
Kendal Raod, Keslake Road, Kingswood Avenue.
L
Lancelot Road, Lansdown Grove, Llanover Road, London Road.
M
Mordaunt Road, Neasden Lan, Oakington Manor Drive, Old Norh Circular Road, Oxgate Lane.
R
Rucklidge Avenue.
P
Park Lane.
S
South Way, St Pauls Avenue, Station Approach, Station Terrace, Strode Road.
T
The Avenue, Tokyngton Avenue.
W
Waxlow Road, Wembley Park Drive, Wrentham Avenue.
Tuesday, 11 February 2025
Full Licensing decision notice on K-Pop Festival at Northwick Park. Details on how to Appeal.
The decision notice from the Licensing Committee contains full details of the representations made and the conditions imposed at Stage 1. There is now time for those who oppose the Committee's decision to support the application at Stage 1, to appeal.
EXTRACT
LETTER: Council Tax Support - when is a Consultation NOT a Consultation?
Segment of Brent Cabinet dealing with Council Tax Support (Apologies for poor sound quality on Brent Council recording)
Dear Wembley Matters
When is a Consultation NOT a Consultation?
When Labour Brent Council calls something a "Consultation", asks people to express their views and....then ignores them.
A few days ago Martin reported on the drastic CUTS in support to around 17,000 individuals and families in Brent currently receiving support with their Council Tax bills.
In simple terms the Labour Leadership is proposing to cut £8 million from the Council Tax Support Scheme and set up a £1.5 million hardship fund to help the people most impacted and facing the greatest hardship.
Hundreds (possibly thousands) of Brent residents now face having to pay up to £600 a year (£50 per month) more than before.
At the same time the Brent element of the Council Tax is going up by another 5% and in 2025/26 the Band D Council Tax will be £2,133.
Brent officers admit that even with the £1.5 million hardship fund in place many residents will not be able to pay, will fall into even greater debt and the Council will be forced to write off many of those debts.
I went to the Cabinet on the Monday morning 10 February to argue for two changes to the Labour proposals:
- Doubling of the £1.5 million hardship fund to £3 million
- Reject the proposal to use Universal Credit rules of only allowing backdating of Council Tax Support Scheme for just 1 month - for the simple reasons that Universal Credit is far too complicated and that most people are unaware of the Council Tax Support Scheme and will inevitably claim too late - and lose out on what they were entitled to.
I made the point that extra support was needed this year because the CUT was being rushed and the people impacted had very little time to get help, advice or an opportunity to take steps to manage their income or expenditure to be able to afford the extra cost that will hit them from 1 April 2025 just 7 weeks away.
Needless to say my suggestions were rejected out of hand after the usual Councillor Butt rant totally unrelated to the issue.
Oh, yes Consultation?
In his previous article Martin also published a response to the consultation from the Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB). Their research and a number of case studies highlighted the hardship and impact the drastic Labour Cuts will have on real Brent residents. The CAB also made some recommendations as to how the worst impact could be mitigated.
Paragraph 10.4 of the Council Report on the issue that went to Cabinet makes the intent of the Brent style "consultation" very clear:
"Given the scale of the budget challenge, the Council’s preferred option was to consult on the proposal which resulted in the saving level needed."
What exactly was the point of the 8 week consultation exercise? Was there any intention to listen to the CAB or anyone else? Of course NOT!
This was another case of a SHAM Labour Consultation of which we have had many over the years.
So next time you hear a Labour politician shed crocodile tears over the cost of living crisis feel free to point out how much harder they have made things for thousands of Brent residents as a result of their decision.
Yours
Paul Lorber
Monday, 10 February 2025
Educators making an impact with the Zero Carbon Schools programme
14 teachers from Brent schools recently completed 'carbon literacy' training run by Brent Council. LINK
The above video and the Impact Report shows the value of work carried out by the Green Schools Project in schools across the country:
Last academic year was our biggest and best yet at Green Schools Project. Consequently, this Impact Report is our most comprehensive to date, and we’re really proud of it!
Here are a few of our highlights:
- 115 schools and 4,677 pupils across the UK took part in our Zero Carbon Schools programme last year.
- 98% of teachers and 90% of pupils would recommend the programme to others.
- 95% of teachers agree that their pupils feel more positive about their role in tackling climate change as a result of Zero Carbon Schools.
- 95% of teachers said that Zero Carbon Schools had influenced their school’s response to climate change.
- Schools reduced their carbon emissions by an average of 27 tonnes where we have year-on-year data.
We firmly believe that this shows the power of our work to transform the way that schools and young people respond to climate change.
What next?
We are always keen to talk to organisations in our network about how they can partner with us to support climate education and sustainability in schools.
If after reading this Impact Report you are interested in collaborating, I’d love to have a conversation, and now is a great time to get in touch.
Butt boasts of squeezing Lime: Consultation and the first Resident Cycling Forum
From Brent Council
It is your turn to have your say on new parking bays for Lime bikes which will be popping up across the borough this year.
Since 2019 over 100,000 people have used Lime bikes with nearly 2
million cycle trips taken across the borough. With rising demand, many
residents raised concerns about the bikes, such as poor bike parking and safety.
Lime agreed to a number of the council's demands last year and will be implementing them this year, these can be read in full here, and include:
- immediately reduce the size of the fleet in Brent by a third- from 750 to 500 bikes - while other improvements are made and consult closely with the council before increasing bike numbers again
- introducing and funding towards the creation of 200 new parking bays, in priority areas. These designated parking bays will be implemented and enforced in phases and we aim to have all locations will be up and running by 1 July 2025
- implement zoning to prevent poor bike parking in certain areas.
The consultation on the location of the 200 dedicated parking bays is now open for residents to give their views.
Councillor Muhammed Butt, the Leader of Brent Council, said:
I am pleased we have been able to squeeze concessions out of Lime, since most residents are simply tired of the minority that park their e-bikes badly.
We are working with Lime to address this with a borough-wide network of mandatory parking bays which will make cycling around the borough easier and also set stronger expectations of riders. Decisions are shaped by those that get involved, so I would encourage residents to have their say on the new locations proposed.
The first Resident Cycling Forum will take place on Monday, 24 February in the Civic Centre Conference Hall at 18:30. This forum will provide an opportunity for residents to hear directly from Lime about the scheme and raise any issues or concerns they may have.
Until the new parking bays are introduced, Lime bikes will still be able to park anywhere on a pavement, but users must follow Lime's rules to ensure bikes do not obstruct pathways. If you find a badly parked or abandoned Lime bike, you can report it directly to Lime via email or online.
Brent Council is also in talks with other e-bike operators, such as Human Forest, to explore formal arrangements for their bike hire schemes in the borough.
Alperton By-election candidates
The Green Party decided no to stand given the circumstances of Anton Georgiou's resignation and urged the Labour and Conservative parties to do the same. See LINK
The by-election, ususually, takes place on a Tuesday: February 18th 2025.
Friday, 7 February 2025
Runaway climate breakdown: a new approach for a new reality? Meeting February 26th
|
Young Voices Bob Marley 80th Birthday Worldwide Singalong
In these dark day a message of hope from an international young choir celebrating a man of peace who spent some of his early days with us here in Brent.
Mural on the shutters of a hairdresser shop in Neasden, close to where Bob Marley and the Wailers lived in 1972. (Credit: Philip Grant)
Closure Order sought for Kilburn Job Centre building
The Closure Notice fixed to the Job Centre building
An application for a closure order on the former Kilburn Centre at 3 Cambridge Order was being made at Willesden Magistrates Court this morning.
This follows the fire at the premises where alleged squatters had to be rescued by local people from the flames. LINK
What is a closure order/notice?
A police officer of at least the rank of Inspector (for 24 hours, Superintendent for 48 hours), or the local authority, may issue a closure notice if satisfied on reasonable grounds that the use of the particular premises has resulted or is likely soon to result in nuisance to members of the public, or that there has been or is likely soon to be disorder near those premises associated with the use of those premises, and that the notice is necessary to prevent the nuisance or disorder from continuing, recurring or occurring.
A closure notice prohibits access to the premises for a period specified in the notice and may prohibit access by all persons except those specified, at all times and in all circumstances (or those specified). A closure notice MUST be issued before a closure order can be sought.How is an application made?
Whenever a closure notice is issued an application can be made to a magistrates’ court for a closure order. This can be done by the police or the local authority and must be heard by the magistrates’ court no later than 48 hours after service of the closure notice. A closure order can be for up to three months.
Thursday, 6 February 2025
UPDATED WITH VOTE RESULT: This House Believes Trump is a 21st Century Fascist | Cambridge Union - Zack Polanski speaks for the motion
Zack Polanski, Deputy Leader of the Green Party, speaks for the motion 'This House Believes Trump is a 21st Century Fascist' at the Cambridge Union.
RESULT OF VOTE:
Ayes - 219
Abstain - 118
Noes - 160
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)